Chlor-Trimeton and Seizures in a Dog

A seizure causes a dog's body to convulse without control. Seizures tend to come on suddenly and end quickly. Seizures occur in dogs for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to an allergic reaction, a neurological condition such as epilepsy or a brain tumor. The drug Chlor-Trimenton and its generic forms are among medications prescribed to control some causes of seizures in dogs.

  1. About Chlor-Trimeton

    • Chlor-Trimenton is an antihistamine used to alleviate allergic symptoms and allergic reactions. It's mostly given to humans, but is prescribed to dogs under the guidance of a veterinarian to treat severe allergic reactions that lead to seizures.

    How It Works

    • Chlor-Trimenton blocks the release of histamines, a natural chemical produced in the dog's body. When a dog comes into contact with something it's allergic to, his body releases chemicals called histamines. Histamines travel through the blood stream and attach to cells, otherwise known as receptors. HI and H2 are two kinds of receptors found in a dog's body, and each one impacts the body in a different way. H1 irritates blood vessels and muscles causing tissues to swell. As a result, the dog experiences difficulty breathing, and in some cases causes the dog to seize. Histamines that attach to an H2 receptor increases the dog's heart rate and stomach secretions, which can lead to an ulcer.

    Forms

    • Chlor-Trimenton is the brand name form of the drug, but it also goes by Schering and other generic names including chlorpheniramine. It's available as a tablet and syrup, as well as injection form.

    Availability

    • Chlor-Trimenton is an over-the-counter drug that's available in most pharmacies. The drug, however, isn't approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat seizures in dogs and other animals. A veterinarian legally may prescribe a generic form of the drug in quantities appropriate for the dog based on his size and weight.

    Side Effects

    • Dogs rarely experience side effects from Chlor-Trimenton. When side effects occur, they may consist of vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea and drowsiness. In addition, PetPlace.com recommends dog owners discontinue giving Chlor-Trimentation to dogs that continue exhibiting allergic symptoms as they may be caused by the drug. The drug also isn't appropriate treatment for dogs with heart disease, glaucoma and other disorders. Chlor-Trimentation shouldn't be mixed with other drugs as it could cause additional side effects to occur.